cheap and easy performance upgrades

[zeppman]

Hey guys,

I have an '05 SE, 2.4L solara. What are some of the cheaper options I have to upgrade my cars hp and or mpg? I'm not expecting anything amazing, and understand that I will only be able to pick up a few hp here and there, but what are some little things I can do to upgrade my car. I'm already planning on getting a K&N air filter (and yes I know, the effects will be minimal) but is there anything else I can do?

Thanks for the suggestions.

[tacti]

sorry, but solara does not have any cheap mod to get better HP....

here are some upgrade you can do.

only noticeable hp gain would be from JPP header and Split Sec PSC1-003 a/f controller.

everything else would be minimal gain.

with injen intake, jpp header, PSC1, and custom exhaust, i could get 141 hp at the wheel. which is about 13HP gain from the stock (128 at the wheel), and cost me over $1000.

good luck!

Tact

[Sebas007]

MPG Wise

(Free tips)

- Ensure your tires are inflate enough to reduce the friction with the pavment, it might help you having a better MPG.

- When you go to gas station...fill your car to half of the tank (the extra weight saved can help you on the MPG)

- Start slowly from stops


Performance Wise

-Nothing cheap

[zeppman]

tacti, did that extra 13hp make a big difference? or was it only slightly noticeable. Excuse my ignorance, but what are the JPP header and Split Sec PSC1-003 a/f controller?

Sebas, already do all of that, thanks though

[unbalancedwood]

What about CP-e (+9-12hp/tq) for under $500
http://www.cp-e.com/2018.html

[Chinky420]

ground wires will help more with MPG than with performance...but they're cheap

you're going to be hard pressed to find any real performance gains without spending good money.

[zeppman]

I was looking at this:

http://www.knfilters.com/search/product ... 69-8609TTK

Has anyone tried installing this? It seems similar to the CP-e.

[unbalancedwood]

What is different about the CP-e is the fact it comes with the 'black box' that you connect to your ECU, changing the fuel map, allowing for a larger diameter pipe to actually function. Without it, the car cant start. The CPe intake is 3/4" larger then stock, 3.5" in total. The K&N is just a smoother pipe with their filter on. Invest in the CPe, i have one for the Gen1

See black box with wires
http://www.cp-e.com/imgs/sol_gen2_kit_lg.jpg

[solara caper]

go with the K&N typhone the cpe is only for the 3.3 he has a 2az

[Sebas007]

go with the K&N typhone the cpe is only for the 3.3 he has a 2az

Touché !!

BUT the CPe is also for the 1MZ...Touché !!

Bottom line, V6 only FTCPE (For The CPe)

[zeppman]

Sebas, I'm confused by your comment, "Bottom line, V6 only FTCPE (For The CPe)" The CPe won't work because i don't have the 6cyl, correct?

On that note, is the K&N worth the $250? Or should I just get the standard K&N filter for $35

[tacti]

13 hp is noticeable, but not gonna make your car fly.
I used to have regular K&N filter on my car, and now it's on my mom's camry, and i did not feel or see any changes in mpg or performance.

SRI will make your car sounds cooler, but didn't feel much of the gain neither....


here is the link to the TN page about jpp header

Tact

[Sebas007]

Sebas, I'm confused by your comment, "Bottom line, V6 only FTCPE (For The CPe)" The CPe won't work because i don't have the 6cyl, correct?

On that note, is the K&N worth the $250? Or should I just get the standard K&N filter for $35

Yeah CPe are for 1MZ or 3MZ (V6 engine only)

If I was you I would buy the K&N filter for 35$. And when you will install it...don't be scare to open the air box correctly. When I installed mine, it was my first "mod" and I didn't make it right, I open the air box just enough to make the filter fit...and I fight with it...because I installed it the wrong side (up/down side was good) but to settle correctly it has a specific position. You'll see there are guide lines on the filter itself in the rubber.

[zeppman]

so $250 isn't worth it for the cold air intake..

[kingkakyle]

If I was you I would buy the K&N filter for 35$. And when you will install it...don't be scare to open the air box correctly. When I installed mine, it was my first "mod" and I didn't make it right, I open the air box just enough to make the filter fit...and I fight with it...because I installed it the wrong side (up/down side was good) but to settle correctly it has a specific position. You'll see there are guide lines on the filter itself in the rubber.

lol the 2az filter box is 100x easier to open fully than the 3mz
but if i remember correctly the 2az needs a socket wrench while the 3mz uses clips